Interview: AEDIN MOLONEY in 'The Alchemist' at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ

Aedin Moloney returns to The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) this season in Ben Jonson's, The Alchemist directed by Bonnie Monte. Moloney starred last season as George Elliot in the theatre's world premiere production of A Most Dangerous Woman and she received the New Jersey Footlights Best Actress Award. Moloney is founder and producing artistic director of New York's Fallen Angel Theatre Company. Her recent New York City credits include starring alongside Peter Gerety and Dana Ivey in Dubliners by Arthur Yorinks for WNYC Radio. We had an opportunity to interview Moloney about her career and the upcoming show.

The Alchemist marks the premiere of Artistic Director, Bonnie J. Monte's new adaptation of the 17th century work. It is a rowdy tale of con artists and their gullible prey. When the merchant Lovewit flees London to avoid the plague, wild antics ensue as Lovewit's opportunistic butler re-imagines himself as Captain Face, a clever character with a "get rich quick" mentality. Face joins forces with fellow con man Subtle and a local prostitute Dol Common. Together, the trio baits a parade of colorful dupes with the promise of gold, including a lawyer's clerk, a tobacconist, a nobleman, a widow, and religious fanatics. Written in 1610, Jonson's comedy demonstrates how little has changed about greed or gullibility in the affairs of mankind.

Moloney plays the harlot and con woman, Dol Common, in The Alchemist. She said she is "overjoyed" to be back at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. "It's a wonderful environment to be working in. An actor's dream! Surrounded and supported by so many talented people - they are all so good at their jobs."

Moloney spoke about her character. She said that the character is a fascinating one. "Dol Common is striving to push herself above the status that women were perceived as in 1610 - attempting to change her status from prostitute to con woman. Dare I say it.... almost like a modern day feminist of 1610. This woman joins forces with two con men, Subtle and Face. She is one feisty lady! "

Moloney also called The Alchemist "a magnificent piece of work." She spoke about the plot of the play. "It is very witty and a little naughty! The material is intricate and clever, like a maze. As we dig deeper, we unravel what is going on."

Moloney spoke about working with the theatre's Artistic Director, Bonnie Monte. "Bonnie has done an incredible job with the adaptation of The Alchemist." Although it has taken a lot of work, the careful preparation has made the play "accessible to a contemporary audience and so much fun to play." She also stated, "Bonnie has hand-picked STNJ theater veterans -their top comedic actors for this show."

Moloney said that it is an "honor" to be included in this company. Moloney is certain that area audiences will relish the opportunity to see The Alchemist and said that Madison theatre's audiences are "open and appreciative." She also commented that the play is "incredibly appealing, a real gem and one that is rarely produced."

Performances of The Alchemist begin August 6 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue in Madison. The show runs through Tickets start at $25 for all preview performances. All regular performances offer tickets starting at $32. Student rush tickets for all performances are $15, available a half-hour before curtain for with a valid student ID. Performances are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. For tickets, call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

Photo Credit: Avery Brunkus